Jack Daniel's 1981 Gold Medal

I decided to try this bottle again tonight. I'm glad I did. Maybe my palate has improved, maybe the bottle has benefited from being open longer, or maybe it's the Old Fashioneds, but I don't think so – this is so much better than I recall. Rich, elegant oak, vanilla, caramel, malt, tobacco, and baking spices entice the nose and excite the palate, and combine with spices and crème brûlée for a truly satisfying finish.

I acquired this bottle thirteen years prior, when I believed JD was excellent and Crown Royal was the top whiskey one could get. Blissful ignorance. Having recently sampled JD no. 7 again, it seemed appropriate to re-evaluate this spirit. The aroma offers banana and oak, similar to no. 7. The taste is somewhat rough, with subdued oak notes. The aftertaste is not particularly enjoyable, featuring some sharp notes and a bitter quality. On the plus side, the bottle has an appealing design.

A respectable whiskey overall, but not worth the price. The nose and flavor are too potent with alcohol. It would benefit from a few drops of water.

A friend went on a distillery tour and had the current Master Distiller sign the bottle and packaging.